Metal fence-post.



J. 1. LUDWICK. METAL FENCE POST.

APPLICATION FILED NOV- 26. I915.

Patented June 27, 1916.

. ATTORNEYS.

INVENTOR. (5/1/11 4 Ludw/ck W] TNE SSE S 8AE8 PATENT UFFIQEQ JOHN JAY LUDWIGK, OF CLOVERIDALE, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO L. I. KENDALL, OF LAMOILLE, ILLINOIS.

METAL FENCE-POST.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 27, 1916.

Application filed November 26, 1915. Serial No. 63,644.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JoI-IN JAY LUDwIoK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cloverdale, in the county of Barry and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Metal Fence-Posts,

of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in metal fence posts.

The main objects of this invention are: First, to provide in a metal fence post an improved means for securing the fence thereto. Second, to provide an improved metal fence post which is very simple and economical in structure and one to which a wire fence may be quickly and securely attached.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification,

The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification, in which:

Figure I is a detail elevation of a structure embodying the features of my inven- 'tion, the longitudinal strands of a fence being shown in section. Fig. II is a detail view partially in vertical section on aline corresponding to the line 22 of Fig. I. Fig. III is a detail horizontal section on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Figs. I and II. Fig. IV is a detail side elevation of a modified form of my invention, the modification being in the shape of a fence post which is formed of T-iron instead of an angle iron as shown in Figs. I, II and III. Fig. V is a detail sectional view taken on the line corresponding to line 55 of Fig. IV.

In the drawing, similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines.

Referring to the drawing, the fence post 1 is in the structure shown in Figs. I, II and III, angled in cross section. I provide the post with a plurality of alined and spaced T-shaped slots 2 opening at an edge of the post. These slots are adapted to receive the longitudinal strands 3 of a fence and are spaced to accommodate such strands although the slots are of such length that they will accommodate strands of a considerable range of spacings. Between alternate slots I provide holes 4: adapted to receive the fasteners 5. These fasteners are formed of wire and have central off-sets 6, the length of the offsets somewhat exceeding the thick ness of the post. The fasteners are arranged through these holes with their 0&- sets engaging the holes. This permits their ends belng swung into the slots 2 through the openings thereof and their outer ends engaged with the distant ends of the adjacent slots, as shown in Fig. II. The fasteners are preferably engaged under spring tension although they are unlikely to become disengaged if there is substantially no spring tension thereon or if they are formed of a quality of wire having practically no resiliency. With the fasteners thus formed the fence can be quickly secured to the posts by engaging its longitudinal strands in the slots and retaining them therein by means of the fasteners. The openings are completely closed by the fasteners and the fence wires are so retained that there is practi cally no strain on the fasteners and the fasteners are so supported that should a wire be located opposite the opening of the slot it is still efiectively retained. At the same time, the fence can be readily released from the post should occasion require.

In Figs. IV and V I illustrate my invention adapted to a post formed of T-iron which shows that my improvements are of quite general application and may be readily embodied in posts of different shape.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. The combination of a post having a plurality of spaced T-shaped slots open at an edge of the post and adapted to receive the longitudinal strands of a fence, said post having holes disposed between alternate slots, and retainers formed of wire having central oflsets therein disposed through said holes with their offsets engaged therein and their ends engaged under spring tension with the distant ends of adjacent slots, the ends of said fasteners being adapted to swing through the openings of said Slots to engage and disengage the same.

2. The combination of a post having spaced T-shaped slots open at an edge of the post and adapted to receive the 10ngitudinal strands of a fence, said post having a hole disposed between said slots and a retainer formed of wire having a central of?- set therein disposed through said hole with its offset engaged therein and its ends engaged under spring tension with the dis- 10 tant ends or" adjacent slots, the ends of said fastener being adapted to swing through the openings of said slots to engage and disengage the same.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN JAY LUDWVICK. [Ls] Witnesses LUELLA G. GREENFIELD, MARGARET L. GLASGOW.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. V 

